Gargash Reaffirms UAE Commitment to Peaceful Resolution of Islands Dispute With Iran

Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of its dispute with Iran over Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa.

His remarks came in response to criticism by Ali Akbar Velayati, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, of the UAE’s statement at the United Nations concerning the three islands.

Gargash described Velayati’s criticism as “a political position refuted by facts and documents,” referring to the evidence on which the UAE bases its assertion of sovereignty.

The UAE describes the islands as occupied by Iran. Gargash’s response underscored its continued assertion of its rights while maintaining that the issue should be resolved peacefully.